“What the JGA has meant to me”
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to submit this college scholarship application letter. It was nearly a decade ago, in April 2016, when my dad received an email from the Gold Coast Junior Golf Foundation encouraging members to participate in tournaments organized by the Junior Golf Association of Broward. Little did I know that joining JGA would lead me on one of the most incredible and caring journeys of my life.
Hanging in the dining room of my house is a huge clock that says, “Time spent with family is worth every second.” For me, JGA is family, and every second of my summers spent with JGA and its members has been incredibly memorable and rewarding. These moments have allowed me to play in fun tournaments, understand the meaning of teamwork, and build incredibly valuable friendships.
In the summer of 2016, my brother and I played in our first tournament with JGA. Mr. Ken Tate had spoken with my dad on the phone, and my dad was in total disbelief at the tournament’s cost. Mr. Tate enthusiastically encouraged him by saying, “Come!”
On tournament day, the warm smiles of the organizers, Mr. Tate and Mrs. Paula Amarillo, welcomed the kids. I was so excited to play my three holes, full of enthusiasm. I think I believed I could win before I even started. The confidence was in the air!
Mrs. Paula gave me my very first medal ever: first place for Boys F! I was only 9 years old. What an incredible feeling that was. In that moment, I knew that the success I felt in golf was something I would want to experience forever.
It wasn’t just the planning and precision of the game that made it so exciting and challenging; it was also the thrill of conquering a beautifully designed course, surrounded by stunning views of flora and fauna.
As time went by, I climbed up the ladder all the way to Boys Junior. I was so excited to be in the same category as my brother, who was in his senior year of high school during the summer of 2019. I was paired up with Robert Messer, and I thought, How incredible would it be if I could at least finish in the top ten?
That, unfortunately, was not the case. My brother was competing for first place, and I was competing for last. But if I told you I had the time of my life while solidifying my last-place finish, it would be an understatement.
That tournament gave my family so many laughs and memories, I wouldn’t have enough paper to tell you all about them. I can sum it up by saying this: Climbing the ladder isn’t just about winning or losing, it’s about enjoying the journey.
JGA gave me the opportunity and privilege to play on its team. Thanks to JGA, I was able to travel and experience incredible golf course designs, all while gaining a deeper understanding of friendship and the true meaning of teamwork.
Throughout the years, friendships were formed, talents were recognized, teams were built, tournaments were played, and countless memories were made. If I were to write about all the anecdotes I’ve experienced with my JGA family, there wouldn’t be enough pages to contain them. Playing for JGA and being awarded the team shirt was beyond anything I could have dreamed of. I am forever thankful for the generosity and the invaluable lessons that being part of the team has given me.
For me, JGA goes beyond the tournaments and incredible opportunities; it has given me the chance to build some of the most valuable friendships. Golfers like Ryan Shimony, Oscar Crowe, Henry Crowe, JJ Her, Brady Vitucci, Gavin Duffy, Colton and Easton Viveros, Liam Johnston, and Joe Hendren are just a few of the people with whom I’ve shared the most memorable moments of my golf “career.” I owe it all to the Junior Golf Association of Broward!
It’s not only about the friendships made and the memories shared. I can’t say enough about the people who made it all possible for me: Mrs. Crowe, Mrs. Thompson (Carver), Mr. Hinesley, Mr. Carver, Mrs. Becky, Mrs. Paula, Mrs. Eileen, and Mr. Vitucci. These wonderful individuals have offered invaluable advice, constant encouragement, and countless opportunities for kids to experience truly great moments. My gratitude will always be with you. You are family to me.
My passion for golf will not be carried forward through collegiate competition, but through its design. I hope this does not disappoint you. While I did receive some college offers to play, my true passion lies in golf course design.
In exploring this career path, I connected with golf course designers and companies who have guided me on the next steps of my journey. This coming fall, I will be attending Florida Atlantic University to begin my studies with a major in Civil Engineering.
My plan is to attend FAU for the first two years, as I have secured an internship with a golf course design company in the area. Later, I intend to transfer to the University of Florida to complete my degree with a focus on golf course design, as recommended by one of my mentors in the field.
Whether by playing, volunteering, or helping however I can, I truly hope to remain involved with JGA. It’s my way of giving back the same encouragement and joy that you gave me when I was just 9 years old.
Thank you for the opportunity, your time and your consideration.
Sincerely yours, Sebastian
